By QUINTON SMITH/YachatsNews
WALDPORT — Quiet times for the Port of Alsea are a thing of the past.
Issues brought up by some people upset with new retail operations, the location of a 2-year-old crabbing-only area, and apparently lots of pent-up personal animosities have led to rare challenges for two Port board positions in the May 16 special election.
The result has been an outpouring of accusations, rebuttals and venom on various Waldport-area Facebook pages and the unusual step of four candidates taking out paid advertising, lawn signs and direct mailings to voters as part of their election campaigns for a volunteer, non-paid position.
Contested races for the Port of Alsea commission are rare.
The election of commissioners to the five-member board is on the May ballot every odd-numbered year. Dating back to 2007, only once in the past eight elections has there been a contested board race.
That changed this year.
Two longtime board members — Rob Bishop and Jan Power — are being challenged by two men — Jim Sehl and Mike Gatens — who have clashed with the board or Port manager the past year. A third Waldport resident, Chrissie J. Myers, is also in the race for with Power and Sehl for commission Position 4, but is not campaigning.
The Port of Alsea district stretches from an area south of Seal Rock through Waldport, east to the Lincoln-Benton county line and south through Yachats to the Lane County. There are 7,115 registered voters in the district; uncontested board races usually draw just 1,000 votes.
The board’s operating budget is $500,000 a year, raised by property taxes, launch fees, the manufacture and sale of crab measuring devices, and now income from its retail operation Dock of the Bay, which the Port purchased in 2021 after its owner died. The Port commission said it needed revenue generated by store operations to raise enough money to dredge near the marina more regularly.
Voters approved a $2.5 million bond in 2018 to rebuild its deteriorating marina, which was completed in April 2021.
Roxie Cuellar, 75, has been the Port’s manager since 2015 but is working with the board and a potential replacement to retire by the end of 2024.
But complaints from some quarters came shortly after the new marina opened when recreational crabbers were moved from an outer dock to a new, wider and longer dock to the east. The Port said it was to prevent conflicts between boaters tying up on the outer dock and crabbers with their pots and lines hanging over the side. But except for the busy fall Chinook salmon season between August and November, the outer dock is little used.
There was also some controversy last fall when the board voted to cancel Gaten’s $350-a-month lease of a Port warehouse near the marina launch effective March 31. The Port said it wanted to use its warehouse to care for and store its rental boats and to manufacture crab rings and measures.
An attempt to recall four of five Port commission members over those issues – and a demand to fire Cuellar — fell short of getting the required number of signatures in March to force an election.
So, instead, there is a hotly contested board race for the first time in decades.
Ballots were mailed to voters last week and must be returned – either dropped off at city halls, the Lincoln County courthouse or be postmarked by 8 p.m. May 16.
The candidates
Position 4, 4-year term:
Power spent 33 years working for the city of Eugene before retiring and moving to Waldport. She was appointed to the Port commission in 2010 and has been elected three times – all running unopposed — to the board.
Gatens is a longtime U.S. Forest Service employee, owner of Shrimp Daddy’s, a downtown Waldport retail and commercial bait business, and ran unsuccessfully for Waldport mayor last fall. He is also president of the Alsea Sportsman’s Association.
Position 2, 4-year-term:
Bishop retired from his work as a general contractor in 2021 and has been on the Port commission since 2011 and has served as its chair since 2015.
Sehl has been administrator of the Waldport Moose lodge for 13 years, owned a ramp and dock construction company until selling it last year and is a licensed fishing guide. It is his first attempt at public office.
YachatsNews asked the candidates eight questions. Here are their responses, lightly edited for brevity and style.
Why are you running for the Port board?
Bishop: I’m running for re-election to continue making improvements to our facilities and the financial health of the Port. Our current board works extremely well together. We have accomplished a lot but have much more to do and I would like to be a part of it. The Port has the ability to make beneficial improvements for our district and our environment. It’s not just about our facility. Our users spread their dollars throughout the district for lodging, restaurants and much more. I can’t think of a better way to give back to the community.
Sehl: For 50 years the Port of Alsea has been known for some of the best Dungeness crabbing in the Northwest with locals and tourists flocking to our docks to toss a crab pot and enjoy what our area has to offer. The current board voted to ban crabbing and fishing from the new outer dock on the west side of the marina. I would like to seek a compromise that would allow crabbing and fishing access when the docks are not fully occupied with boats. I also oppose the board’s decision to restrict rental of the inside (closest to the shore) boat slips to boats that are 25 feet or larger. I have been a fishing guide for almost 40 years and cannot recall a local fisherman or crabber with a boat of 25 feet or more. The current board also failed to complete the slip for the fire department’s emergency watercraft, increasing response time to water emergencies by 15-20 minutes. I also do not like the board’s practice of holding meetings during the afternoons and holding them in a small room. Meetings should be held when it is convenient for the general public to attend. I would have the meetings held at a venue that could comfortably accommodate all who wish to attend.
Power: I’m running for re-election as there is still work to be done on our long-range plan. We have accomplished a great deal in the past few years. Successfully passing the bond measure to finance rebuilding the launch ramp and boat marina was critical to the future of the Port.
Gatens: I am running for port commissioner because I was born and raised here. I love our Port and community, which drives me to be actively involved. I have what it takes to be a contributing team member of the board, bringing great ideas to our port for our community to be proud of and being honest and transparent with Port and board activities. I believe in listening to our community members and working with all the board members to find the balance that gives the Port guest the ultimate experience and boosting Port revenue. I am excited to share my ideas that will create wonderful activities and events for everyone to enjoy down at our beautiful port. I want to see more things going on down there that will bring a whole new vibe to Waldport.
What are some of the major issues facing the Port? Tell us why you can help the Port deal with those.
Sehl: See my response to question No. 1
Power: The Port needs consistent revenue sources to support operations. We have taken significant steps to ensure that the Port can become more self-sustaining in the future. However, we have more work to do to stabilize those resources for those that follow in our footsteps.
Gatens: One of the biggest issues I see at the Port is the continuation of silt filling in around the docks. I think the Port needs to seek technical advice on how to slow the silting down around the docks. Start looking at the possibilities for approvals, permits and grants for installation of piling walls or retaining walls. I also think where the sand was placed from the dredging project should be studied and verified if that is the optimal location. Another major issue I see at our Port is how dark of an area it is. There really needs to be more lighting in the parking lot making it easier to launch and load vessels and stowing equipment when exiting, also less likely to invite theft, illegal dumping, and other non-desirable activities. Once the docks have water and electricity near the slips lighting can be strategically placed for safer foot travel.
Bishop: The Port’s biggest issue of replacing our aging marina is behind us so going forward I would say building up reserves for future marina dredging is a top priority, along with future projects like paving our east parking lot and making improvements to our lighting and security systems, replacing the logs on our debris boom, creating more overflow parking for truck and trailers, updating our strategic business plan and creating a smooth transition for our manager’s eventual retirement.
Some in the community are upset with the design or restrictions on recreational crabbers and/or the way the new marina is laid out for boaters. What is your view of that?
Power: Throughout the design process for the new marina the board asked for input and review of potential plans. Commissioners spent considerable time determining needs, potential uses, and scope of uses before making decisions. We were able to add a new 100-foot recreational dock for crabbing and fishing and replaced the fishing/crabbing platform. Both are fully ADA accessible as is the kayak launch float at the same location. I feel we met the needs of the whole community with this design providing more recreational opportunities. And there is no charge for using them.
Gatens: First off you cannot make everyone happy, but you can seek all options to try. As a local business owner near the port, I have observed the dock use. The current crabbing dock is outstanding but there are some strong complaints I hear from many guests. It overcrowds easily and folks end up crabbing on top of each other. It is a matter of time until someone falls in and with the ripping currents may find extreme injury getting sucked under the docks. I have a plan to present as a board member that will open more crabbing space and keep them away from boaters when boating season is in full effect. I look forward to presenting these ideas to be voted on when elected.
Bishop: There have been some complaints about not allowing crabbing in the moorage area and a couple of complaints about the location of our 20-foot slips as well as the boat ramp being for motorized vessels only. The marina design process was open to public comment and the board spent a lot of time on its design and use. I will try to answer some concerns. (A) Our boarding float is for motorized vessels only as we have an ADA kayak launch on our east end and a kayak beach launch on the west end near Robinson Park. We felt it was not safe to mingle small non-motorized vessels at a congested boat launch. (B) The entire marina is ADA compliant. We have 20-foot slips and 25-foot slips. The 20 foot slips were put on the outside finger because it’s longer and gave us more small slips to meet our needs. (C) The board had to consider all users when designing and making rules. The moorage area is off limits to crabbing for safety reasons. It can be difficult to pull into a slip when the current is strong and having crab pot lines impeding navigation and fouling props not to mention chairs, buckets, and coolers and seaweed all over the docks were all considerations. I believe it makes sense for crabbers and boaters to have their own areas. The Port spent a large portion of its funds and grants on the east end of the marina solely for crabbing and fishing and non-motorized vessels. That includes a large crabbing and fishing dock and also an ADA platform that’s level to the sidewalk plus our ADA kayak launch. This entire area is free to users while our boaters pay for moorage and launch fees.
Sehl: I have examined our new multi-million-dollar docks and can see no valid reason to prohibit crabbing on the outer dock. There is ample room to walk past our friends who are crabbing and to access boats in the slips.
Do (or did) you support the Port’s purchase of the Dock of the Bay business? Why or why not?
Gatens: Some folks in town think I am upset about the Port running the Dock of the Bay. It is good that the Port of Alsea has the building and rents out boats with the equipment to crab and to offer their clients crab cooking. This is a useful source of revenue for the Port to pay their employees’ wages. But when I see the Dock of the Bay, I see Bill Ternyila and remember the way it was. My opinion is that the real Dock of the Bay died with Bill in 2020. I believe the current business structure the Port is trying to do there is totally missing the boat. As a successful entrepreneur in our community, I have a business plan that will easily double the revenue to the Port. This will not only allow the port to pay the employee wages but also start saving for dredging funds and other port projects such as lighting, more cleaning stations, extended parking areas, etc.
Bishop: I did support the purchase of The Dock of the Bay business. Our legal counsel assured us that it is within the Ports rights to do so. Unlike most other ports ours is not a sea-going port as we have no jetty, which has led to a lack of industry at the Port. So the Port has struggled to find sources of income and has considered many things in the past that haven’t worked out, such as oyster culture, an RV park, etc. We had previously leased our building to Dock of the Bay. When the owner passed away we made an offer to the two heirs to purchase the inventory. The heirs were not willing to form a partnership and one heir, Jim Hill, wanted to be bought out. Hill prepared the inventory and its value. The Port kept on one of the heirs, who was also our part-time employee as manager of Dock of the Bay. A small fleet of rental boats are the main source of its revenue which has done very well and put us in a position to save towards future projects such as dredging.
Sehl: I do not agree with the Port owning the Dock of the Bay. This ownership by the Port puts them into direct competition with local businesses. The Port should be promoting and supporting local businesses, not competing with them.
Power: I fully supported the purchase of the Dock of the Bay as it is a compatible use for a port facility. It provides additional recreation opportunities for visitors and residents alike and provides jobs and income employment opportunities.
There was an unsuccessful attempt to gather enough signatures to put the recall of four Port commission members on the ballot. Did you support that effort, or not? Did you sign the petition? Please explain your position on the attempted recall.
Bishop: I was opposed to the recall effort. I believe the people behind the recall effort should have waited for the regular election process. It has done nothing but divide our community. Their spokesman coming to a board meeting and demanding we allow crabbing in the moorage area, allow unassigned moorage and to fire our manager or face a recall frankly was insulting. The recall petition listed as reasons Eckman Lake and unfair business practices and was signed by Jim Hill, one of the Dock of the Bay heirs who the Port bought out. As far as unfair business practices go I am not clear on what they were referring to. If it was in regards to Dock of the Bay competing with nearby Shrimp Daddys, Dock of the Bay has been in business for decades and the later for several years and we frequently send customers their way.
Sehl: I did not initiate the recall but I did support the recall for the reasons I have listed in answering previous questions and because I feel the manner in which the Port of Alsea acquired the Dock of the Bay from Jim Hill was despicable. My Facebook page has more details on this.
Power: As one of those commissioners attempted to be recalled, I obviously did not support the effort. Putting that aside, the recall document listed no specific information for potential signees to consider as to why we should be recalled.
Gatens: I asked not to be involved with the recall and tried not getting into the mud too much with this. I did not agree with this approach and strongly encouraged the parties running the recall not to follow through with it for there was a more positive way to bring change. But, learning the number of people who want change in the Port district was quite astonishing. Also, having a Port employee’s inappropriate finger jesters as he drives by our business was upsetting to me. Being called a “tweaker daddy” in the middle of town by a Port employee and his family member in front of the community I care so much about only encouraged me to seek change to our Port and run for commissioner so this will never be allowed by any employee again.
How are the Port’s finances? What can you tell us about the challenges and opportunities there?
Sehl: I have limited information about the Port’s finances.
Power: If the voters had not supported the bond measure, the Port would likely be closed down. Both pilings and docks were so deteriorated that we would have had to declare them unsafe. The same was true for the launch ramp. The Port is generating revenue through launch fees and moorage, the Dock of the Bay and payments to the Port from property taxes. From this income, the Port must make bond debt payments, and cover all expenses incurred operating the Port. The goal is to make sufficient income to meet these obligations, while setting aside net profit for future use. The net profits from Dock of the Bay will be set aside for future dredging projects.
Gatens: The port’s finances as of last month’s meeting were in the black, which is wonderful, but I still see so many opportunities the port is currently missing out on. The drive is mostly focused on the Dock of the Bay by two board members, the current manager and an employee. Their focus has led them down a river to compete against local crab pot manufacturers and bait and tackle shops in the area. I know the Port can increase their revenue without competing as a government entity against small local businesses. This will allow all types of businesses to coexist together maximizing growth to the overall Port community.
Bishop: The Port’s finances are in the best shape I have seen since 2011 when I first joined the board. We have had a huge increase in launch and moorage revenue combined with the income from Dock of the Bay. The board and management are always looking for opportunities including looking to increase revenue at Dock of the Bay.
What to do about the water quality – and recreational opportunities — of Eckman Lake is a complicated issue. How do you think the Port can help determine the best route to a potential solution? Or, is there an issue?
Power: The Port basically owns the property under the lake. Oregon State Parks owns the parking lot and fishing dock. Property owners own the land and shoreline adjacent to the lake. The lake is stocked with trout for fishing and is used by people-powered vessels. The lake is also home to a wide variety of wildlife. Over time, the lake has become shallower as vegetation deteriorates and adds debris to the bottom. Some invasive species are also there. Concern about water quality has been voiced by Port commissioners, local residents, and the Mid-Coast Watershed Council. The Port was asked to jointly host an information session to discuss these concerns with the local community. Other participating agencies included ODFW, Siuslaw National Forest and the Oregon Department of Parks & Recreation. The consensus from that meeting was the realization that some water testing would be appropriate as a first step. This procedure will have to wait for summer weather and for the Watershed Council to obtain funds for testing. Further steps are awaiting the test results.
Gatens: More testing needs to take place for more data which will determine what is going on and what actions to take. I was pleased to hear the port board does not support draining the lake. It is hard to speculate what actions to take without more data. I do think the port could discuss other alternatives as I am sure they currently are thinking of things. This became a hot topic when mentioned to drain a beautiful piece of our community. I have a couple of ideas to bring to the table, but I know too little about the data from the actual test taken. I do know that draining the lake will be the very last option I will vote on as a board member.
Bishop: The Port held a meeting to get community input on the condition of the lake and possible solutions after being made aware of the silting in and possible toxic algae. There was a test done that showed a form of toxic algae although not enough to close the lake a few years ago and warning signs were placed by the state at that time so we felt we should reach out to look for possible solutions as the Port owns most of the lake. Some of the property owners around the lake were upset apparently on rumors the Port wanted to return the lake to an estuary. The Port has no agenda or opinion on solutions to the problem at this time. We are open to ideas, including more testing and monitoring to help determine where to go from here.
Sehl: Eckman Lake involves many issues. It appears that members of the Port commission made claims of dangerous algae blooms in the lake. At a meeting at a local church, the residents dispelled that rumor and asked that no more erroneous information be disseminated by the Port. I believe that meetings should be held and those most affected by any action involving Eckman Lake should have a significant voice in the matter.
What makes (or would make) you a good Port commissioner?
Gatens: I believe I have the qualities and the desire to help make our community better and I believe the Port should be a focal point of activity and fun for residents and tourists alike. A few of my traits: I am transparent and honest, open minded and understanding. I have been directly involved with the Port manager and commissioners, with a professional approach and understand Roberts Rules and the importance of decorum. I am fair and believe in listening to the challenge presented and think through before coming up with a solution. I am always willing to work as a team player, listening to everybody’s comments, concerns, and complaints. I am willing to learn from people who have been keeping our Port going. I always give my best, whatever I am doing. I care what happens in our community for all of us to coexist. And, I promise I will give the port my best at all times with the fairest solution.
Bishop: I feel that some of my strengths include experience, being familiar with most of the issues facing the Port and not having a personal agenda or conflicts for possible financial gain to my holding the position. Our current board structure brings a lot to the table with a diverse background of knowledge and experience and I would like to see it kept intact.
Sehl: I love our community and have a genuine love for the Alsea River. I would like our residents to know that I will be open to giving every opinion a voice at our meetings — meetings that I will have scheduled at a time when it will be easy for people to attend and at a venue that will easily accommodate all who wish to attend. People who know me know that I am very approachable and enjoy visiting. I will be accessible and transparent as I strive to work with my fellow board members to make our Port’s main focus the betterment of our community.
Power: My personal goal from the start has been to see the Port become a self-sustaining operation. When I first joined the commission, we were facing very low revenues (barely enough to cover a year’s expenses) and using money from the sale of port property as needed. Since that time 10 years ago, we have hired a very efficient manager who successfully guided us through the request for a bond measure for port improvements and the subsequent construction of the new marina, launch ramp and purchase of the Dock of the Bay. We still have some projects to complete. Probably the most critical is improving the parking lot by the Dock of the Bay. We are upgrading the Port workshop for rental boat maintenance, as well as housing other equipment we use which is currently stored in a rented shop. I think I speak for all the Commissioners when I say we are establishing an operational framework for the future commissioners and employees who follow us.
To see and read the Port of Alsea’s proposed budget for 2023-24 go here